KAMPALA, Uganda – Political commentator and former intelligence operative Charles Rwomushana has been released after spending more than a day in the custody of unidentified security operatives. He was freed late Sunday night or early Monday, following his dramatic abduction from a live radio programme on Saturday.
Rwomushana confirmed his release in brief remarks to journalists. “Yes I am back,” he said, declining to provide details about where he had been held or the circumstances of his detention and release.
The incident began on the morning of September 5, 2026, at Radio Simba’s studios in Bukoto, Kampala. Rwomushana was appearing as a panellist on the popular Saturday political talk show Gasimbagane ne Bannamawulire (Face Off with Journalists) when a group of armed men in plain clothes entered the premises. Video footage circulating online shows several men dragging him out of the station by his trousers while he clutched a notebook. Colleagues and station staff looked on helplessly as the men took him away in vehicles.
Radio Simba confirmed the removal from its premises at Plot 2, Corporation Rise. The station’s security guards reported that the operatives arrived in Toyota Noah vehicles and gained access after confronting staff. Neither the Uganda Police Force nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) immediately claimed responsibility or explained the operation. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke later acknowledged awareness of the incident but said he had not yet been briefed on the motive or detention location.
Rwomushana’s whereabouts remained unknown through much of Saturday and Sunday, prompting concern among media colleagues and the public. Reports indicate he was eventually dropped at his home around 2 a.m. Monday by Special Forces Command soldiers, according to some accounts circulating on social media.
The reason for the seizure remains unclear. Some observers noted that it came shortly after Rwomushana made public remarks questioning General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s stated intention to run for president in 2031 and related political dynamics. Rwomushana, a polarising figure known for sharp commentary on security and politics, has also been named in prosecution documents linked to the ongoing treason case against opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Prosecutors allege he attended a meeting in Brussels where discussions about overthrowing the government allegedly took place. No formal charges have been preferred against him in that matter, and he is presumed innocent.
Rwomushana has a history of previous detentions, including in 2016 and during the COVID-19 period, usually followed by release without charges. His latest episode has renewed discussions about the treatment of political commentators and the boundaries of security operations involving media houses.
As of Monday morning, September 7, Rwomushana is free and has spoken with journalists, including media personalities who confirmed speaking with him hours after his release. Official statements from security agencies explaining the full sequence of events are still pending. The incident has drawn attention to questions of due process, media freedom, and the accountability of security forces in Uganda.
Further developments are expected as authorities respond to calls for clarity on the operation that removed a live radio guest in broad daylight.
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